May 21, 2013

The clock is ticking for Google Checkout, the technology giant’s service for online payment processing.

Google will replace Checkout this fall with Google Wallet, a platform that “enables merchants to meet the demands of a multi-screen world where consumers shop in-stores, at their desks and on their mobile devices,” Google Wallet senior product manager Justin Lawyer announced in a blog post.Retailers can continue to accept payments via Google Checkout until Nov. 20.

The move is not surprising. Google announced three upgrades to it Wallet service during its I/O conference last week:

• Integration with Gmail

Gmail and Google Wallet users can now send payments as a mail attachment, no matter which e-mail service the recipient uses.

The integration of the two services means U.S. users can “quickly and securely” send funds to friends or family via Gmail for free as long as the user’s bank account is linked to Google Wallet or the funds are being sent from an existing Google Wallet balance.

The feature is rolling out in the coming months to U.S. residents 18 or older.

• Google Wallet Objects API

This new tool allows users to add all of their loyalty cards, offers, tickets, and membership cards to Google Wallet for easy access via Smartphone.

Google Wallet Objects API will also benefit businesses that choose to offer loyalty programs. The tool allows businesses to do three things: showcase their products and services, acquire users and keep those users coming back with instant loyalty sign-up, real-time updates and offers.

Shoppers using Android apps can check out in as few as two clicks because they do not have to manually enter their billing or shipping information. Google Wallet then securely sends the data to the developer with the user’s permission.

Transactions are screened for fraud around the clock and are protected by Google Wallet Purchase Protection so merchants can offer a safer shopping experience.

The Transition from Checkout to Wallet for Retailers

Retailers that don’t have their own payment processing will need to transition to a different solution in the next six months.

“To make things easier, we’ve partnered with Braintree, Shopify and Freshbooks to offer you discounted migration options,” Lawyer said.“If you are a U.S. merchant that does have payment processing, you can apply for Google Wallet Instant Buy, which offers a fast buying experience to Google Wallet shoppers.”

The Transition for Google Play developers
Developers selling through other Google properties — Google Play, Chrome Web Store and Offers Marketplace — will automatically be transitioned to the Google Wallet Merchant Center in the next few weeks.

The Transition for shoppers
“Shoppers can continue to use Google Wallet to make purchases on merchant apps and sites (such as Priceline, Uber, and Rue La La), as well as on Google properties, such as Google Play and Chrome Web Store,” Lawyer said. “Just look for the Google Wallet button to make safer and more secure payments.”

Google will host a live webinar May 23 at 10 a.m. PST to give retailers more details on the transition. Information can also be found on Help Center.